General FAQs
What is WanderWild Nature Collective?
WanderWild Nature Collective is a nature-based learning community that offers outdoor trainings and classes, gatherings, and resources to help people of all ages reconnect with the living world and one another. We focus on experiential, outdoor learning rooted in place, relationship, and wonder.
Who is WanderWild for?
Our community includes kids, teens, adults, and educators who are curious about nature and committed to growing a more connected, life-honoring culture. Some people join for a single program, while others stay involved over many seasons.
Where are you located?
We are based in the North Texas area. Many of our programs and gatherings take place at local parks, nature areas, and partner sites. Exact locations and directions are shared in your welcome email after registration.
ProgramÂ
What kinds of programs do you offer?
We offer yearly, seasonal programs for teens, mothers, and multigenerational community members, along with workshops, community circles, and nature-based excursions. Each offering is designed to deepen ecological literacy, build resilience, and nurture a sense of belonging.
Do I need prior outdoor experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our programs are designed to be welcoming and supportive for beginners and seasoned nature-lovers alike. We provide guidance on what to bring, what to expect, and how to stay safe and comfortable outdoors.
Are your programs accessible?
We do our best to choose locations and activities that are as accessible as possible, and many offerings are family-friendly. If you have specific mobility or accessibility needs, please reach out so we can discuss options and make a plan together.
Sliding Scale PricingÂ
How does sliding scale pricing work?
Sliding scale pricing allows community members to choose a payment level that reflects both the value of the offering and their current financial capacity. Higher contributions help subsidize access for those with fewer resources, keeping our programs more accessible overall.
Why we use a sliding scale for classes?
At WanderWild Nature Collective, we believe outdoor education and community connection should be accessible, sustainable, and rooted in shared responsibility, not limited by a one-size-fits-all price. Our sliding scale is a values based model designed to reflect both the real cost of offering high-quality programming and the diverse financial realities of the students we serve.
Here's how it works and why it matters:
Accessibility without stigma.Â
We never want cost to be the reason someone misses out on meaningful education in nature, skill-building, or community. The sliding scale allows each family to choose a rate that aligns with their current financial situation … no questions asked, no proof required.
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Honesty about true cost.
The Growing Rate reflects the actual cost of running our programs (materials, instructors, planning, trainings, insurance, and other nature necessities). We are happy to keep costs low while the quality of the program stays high. We do this in order to assure that these experiences can continue as we help our students grow in their skills and education.Â
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Community-supported impact.
The Giving Rate creates space for generosity. Families who are able to contribute a little more will help offset costs while sustaining us, as we support the students in temporary Rooted situations. We want to thank you for your contributions to a more resilient and caring community!
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Shared ownership of the experience.
Rather than a fixed transaction, this model invites participants into a shared investment. Everyone plays a role in contributing to and sustaining the collective of WanderWild, whether by receiving support, meeting the true cost, or extending generosity.
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Aligned with our mission.
Nature teaches us that ecosystems thrive through balance, interdependence, and mutual support. Our pricing model reflects those same principles, which ensures that what we build, learn, and experience is impactful, enduring, and available to as many as possible.Â
Can I contribute beyond my chosen level?
Yes. If you are able to contribute above your choosen rate, your support directly helps us expand sliding scale options, offer scholarships, and seed new community offerings.
How do I know which level to choose?
We invite you to choose a level that feels both generous and sustainable for you or your family. As a simple guide: if you have steady income and relative financial security, consider choosing a higher tier; if you are navigating financial stress or systemic barriers, a lower tier may be more appropriate.
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You will see the following scales:
Rooted Rate- For those needing a little more steadiness right now.
This option helps keep participation within reach.
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Growing Rate- The true cost of the class.
This rate sustains the space and supports its continued offering.
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Giving Rate-Â For those with a bit more capacity in this season.
This option helps make the space accessible for others.
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MembershipÂ
What does it mean to be a "member"?
You are a member of the WanderWild Nature Collective when you join one of our class offerings- The Grove for Mothers, W.I.L.D. High School Course, WanderWorks Nature Workshops. Once you are a registered member of the WanderWild Collective, you can attend all collective offerings- workshops, excursions and outdoor yoga/meditation and forest therapy sessions.
How much is registration?
Since our class offerings are based on a sliding scale to provide accessibility for community members, there is a one time, non-refundable registration fee to help keep our programs sustainable. Registration fees are due upon enrollment and are good for one year. They are as follows:
W.I.L.D. High School Course- $150
The Grove for Mothers- $100
WanderWorks Workshops only- $40
How does registration work?
Registration fees only apply to students 13 and over. If you would like to regularly attend a WanderWild Nature course, you will need to register for a membership. For example- a nature loving family would like to participate in WanderWild Nature Collective. There are two students in the family, one student in high school and one student in elementary school. The high school student would register for the W.I.L.D. High School Course. Mom can register for The Grove for Mothers and bring her elementary (and teen) student to The Grove meetings for free. Her spouse can either pay full price and attend the WanderWorks Workshops as a guest OR register for the workshops to receive a discounted price for the year.
W.I.L.D High School Course
What makes this a "course"?
WILD is designed with homeschool families in mind, making it both flexible and academically meaningful. Led by certified experts in their fields and supported by structured learning goals, the course provides clear documentation of student work, participation, and skill development. This allows parents to confidently count it as a high school credit on transcripts while giving students a rich, hands-on learning experience.
What is the schedule like?
Our W.I.L.D High School course meets in person the 1st and 3rd Monday for 34 weeks. Students will be given "home study" guides to help them learn more about the focused topics discussed during in person classes, or "field weeks". Field classes will be held from 11:30a-2:30p.
Are parents required to attend?
Yes. If your student is from the ages of 13-15, we ask that you remain on site. There are portions of class where adult volunteers will be necessary and always welcomed! If your student is 16-18 and can drive themselves to class, please let the instructors know and we will formulate a plan that works well for the safety of everyone.Â
My high school student has younger siblings. Can they attend with us?
YES! Younger siblings are always welcome to accompany their high school sibling to class. This is a wonderful time for younger siblings to read, explore, and get to know other younger siblings in attendance. It is recommended that younger siblings be in full parental sight, as the instructors will be focused on the high school aged students.
Will there be required homework?
Yes, but it is designed to be purposeful and manageable. Students will complete home study guides during off weeks to reinforce learning, along with completing three capstone projects—one per semester over the course of the three semesters. Each week, students will make consistent progress, allowing for meaningful, hands-on learning.
For more information on W.I.L.D. High School, see our W.I.L.D. FAQ.